Mr Alan Chau 周兆麟先生

Information

Date

15 November 2013

Interviewed by

Rosa Kurowska

Language

English

Audio Edited by

Ben Fielden

Venue

Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets

Alan Chau came to the UK 30 years ago to complete his Masters Degree in Operational Research and Information Systems at the London School of Economics and Political Science before working in international trade.

In 1996 Alan became General Manager of the Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets, a position he holds to this day. During this time he has led the continuous development of the organisation which now employs over 30 staff and delivers 7 services to over 200 service users each week. Alan qualified as a social worker in 2004 and successfully completed his two years' placement at the Tower Hamlets' Youth Offending Team and Rethink's Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre.

At present, Alan is a voting member of the East End Community Foundation; a Steering Group member of the Tower Hamlets Community Advice Network; and a member of the Tower Hamlets Adult Social Care Providers Forum. He also holds a Registered Manager Award in Health and Social Care and was a trustee of Age UK Tower Hamlets (formerly Age Concern Tower Hamlets).

Alan has worked in social care with older people for over eighteen years. He began his career working with long-term unemployed and disadvantaged people and has maintained an interest in users of public services and the importance of working closely with the voluntary sector. Alan is dedicated to providing on-going leadership to improve the health and well-being of older and disabled people in the Chinese community of East London. Alan has led the Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets to achieve the Advice Quality Mark since 2006, and three Star 'Excellent' rating for Domiciliary Care Service since 2008.

Alan works to bring about positive change in social services so that all can be treated with respect and courtesy: receiving services which support everyone to live more independent lives and to achieve their potential.